Monthly Archives: June 2015

Live one day at a time

Posted on by

0

A while back I bought a little poster to hang in my cube with Zen principles/sayings called “Live one day at a time and make it a masterpiece: A – ZEN of Life.” I thought this week I would review the first 6 principles for my daily mission, reflect on them, and think about how to incorporate them into my life.

  1. Avoid negative sources, people, places and habits
  2. Believe in yourself
  3. Consider things from every angle
  4. Don’t give up and don’t give in
  5. Everything you’re looking for lies behind the mask you wear
  6. Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches

Weekly mission:

1. Avoid negative sources, people, places, and habits

A tough first one to look at. For some time over the past couple years, I have been the most negative thing in my life. I was run down by all the challenges I’d be trying to overcome or find ways to deal with. It was hard to see positive through the negative. I caught glimpses. Then was knocked back down. Being tired of that way of living is part of what brought me to this journey of self-improvement. So now I face each day trying to recognize opportunity, reminding myself of the ways in which I am doing well, and trying so hard to see positive before negative.

Negative habits. Boy do I have some. Ignoring compliments or turning them into something negative is one I’ve been working on. Simply saying “thank you” instead of arguing with those who compliment me. Sounds simple. But it was hard when I first started trying. I had to pause before responding. But its getting easier.

The other negative habit I choose to focus on improving now is being defensive. Be open to what others say. Give it appropriate thought. Hear what they are saying before reacting. Assume the positive intention. The key will be to be really honest with myself. Get rid of excuses. And work to fix those negative things I discover instead of being upset about them.

2. Believe in yourself

Step 1: know yourself. Step 2: Believe that you can be the person you want to be. Step 3: Love the person I am each step of the way. Easy peasy 😉 Right? Easier than I thought actually. And it feels really good. Taking time to really get to know who I am, consider who I want to be, and recognize the value in who I am has been a really good experience. So far. I have a long way to go. Forever, probably. But like the title says, “Live one day at a time”

My mantra “You’re doing better than you think you are”, from week one should help me along this journey.

Thanks for reading!

~Teresa

Wander, Eat, and a Touch of Broadway

Posted on by

2

Today didn’t go quite as planned. And none of my missions were accomplished. But like so many unplanned days, it was wonderful. I braved Time’s Square, my least favorite part of New York, and we scored some tickets to An … Continue reading →

This Thing They Call Vacation

Posted on by

1

Kelsey McNatt - Polyvore.com

Kelsey McNatt – Polyvore.com

This week will be a little different as I am off to the East Coast for a few days of exploring museums, photographing NYC, and my first trip to the Jersey Shore! But this doesn’t mean I’m taking a vacation from my self-improvement and my blog. But this week’s missions will have a little different flavor. I love New York. I had the privilege of taking a photography class at Parson’s School of Design one summer. Spending that summer living in New Jersey and exploring the city every day was something I’ll never forget. I love architectural photography. NYC provides me continuous inspiration. I can’t wait to get back there and do some shooting! The food, the people, the museums, the shows, I love it all! Hoping to soak it all up while were there. We’ll also be taking two days to head down to Atlantic City and Sea Isle City. Roger spent his childhood summers there with his family. I’m looking forward to seeing some of his childhood hangouts and maybe get a little beach time with a book 🙂

So with travel in mind, my daily missions for this week are:

Monday: Investigate things to do in NYC. Identify one must do activity.

  • My must do activity is take a tour. I found several free-tours (well, tip for tour kind of things) that explore some of the behind the scenes history and life of NYC. I love tours. Hearing someone tell you stories about the place you’re standing. So much fun! Ones I’m considering:

Tuesday: “Treat Yo Self” to something to make my travel experience better (I’m not a good flier and airports make me super anxious).

Wednesday – Saturday (since I don’t know what this trip will bring, I will likely accomplish these missions as possible throughout my trip)

  • Post a photo I took that I’m particularly proud of
  • Buy a one of a kind something special for myself
  • Visit a museum I’m never been to
  • Ask a local what their favorite thing about NYC is and try to experience that thing

Sunday Weekly mission: Start a photobook of our trip (finish by June 30th because I have a coupon!)